In an editorial, we wrote: Across the nation on Independence Day, concerned citizens took to the streets in more than 80 cities — including Denver — to protest recently disclosed g overnment surveillance tactics. The breadth of the data being collected on ordinary citizens is both unnerving and of dubious legality. And yet until recently, most of us had no idea, for example, that the government collected the phone records of millions of Americans. We hope the demonstrations add to the pressure on the Obama administration not only to explain its spying activities, but to disclose legal opinions it believes give officials the power to collect so much information on individuals not suspected of commiting crimes.

Tuesday

Right ruling on Colorado recall elections

In an editorial, we wrote: We’ve made no secret of our belief that the attempts to recall Colorado Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron, Democrats from Colorado Springs and Pueblo, are wrongheaded. Still, that doesn’t mean we favor using a technicality to derail the public’s right to force special elections. So we were pleased to see Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert last week rule against attempts to stop the recalls through legalistic gambits.

Now the joke’s on you, Colorado GOP

In a column, Alicia Caldwell wrote: What do you get when you mix Twitter, a comedian’s shocking joke, and abortion rights? In Colorado, as it turns out, you get a political skirmish that has veered into the absurd. The dust-up that began when state Rep. Joe Salazar re-tweeted a vulgar observation by actress Sarah Silverman about the governor of Wisconsin and that state’s new abortion law. She used the social media tool Twitter to say she’d “very much like to anally probe @GovWalker each time he needs to make an ‘informed decision.’ ” Salazar resent Silverman’s crass observation to his Twitter followers without comment, and then the Colorado GOP sent out a news release saying Salazar was calling for the rape of the governor of Wisconsin. Seriously. For the Republicans to jump on Salazar’s re-tweet and brand it a call for a sexual assault on a public official is not only ridiculous, it also smells like desperation.

Wednesday

Connecting with rural Colorado

In an editorial, we wrote: A recently hatched plan to change how seats in the legislature are apportioned in an effort to give rural Coloradans more power is unrealistic and almost certain to further frustrate those disenchanted by what has been going on under the gold dome in Denver. Ditto for plans for northeastern Colorado to secede and create a 51st state. It’s not happening. But what might help — and should be pursued — are renewed efforts to address the everyday concerns of those who live in far-flung parts of the state. On the short list are transportation funding, social services support and energy impact dollars.

Chronic mismanagement of VA hospital projects

In an editorial, we wrote: It’s unclear why the Veterans Affairs hospital under construction in Aurora, which has already ballooned in cost multiple times, is now another nearly $200 million, or 34 percent, over budget. Regardless, one thing is abundantly clear: The VA has a troubling pattern of mismanaging the construction of its hospitals. “They have lost all credibility when it comes to managing projects of this size,” Congressman Mike Coffman told us. The hospital is in his district, and he’s also chairman of the oversight panel for the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Thursday

Common sense in lawsuit over Colorado gun laws

In an editorial, we wrote: A legal challenge of recently passed Colorado gun laws took a practical turn Wednesday when litigants agreed to a common-sense interpretation of language pertaining to a ban on high-capacity magazines. The understanding between the state and those challenging the laws settles questions about ambiguity in the wording of the legislation, a positive development since the laws have taken effect within recent weeks.

Remembering the late Randy Udall

In a guest commentary, Mark Harvey wrote: Randy Udall towered over most of us. The first time I met him, he seemed imposing, with his stature, rawboned features, bearing, and obvious intellect. I have to admit to being a little intimidated by the man and all the history he carried in his name on my first encounter. What made him delightful and accessible to those of us who looked up to him from our stations closer to the ground was a poignant wit; a big, kind heart; and an uncanny ability to see stories, the interior lives of friends, trends, patterns, and rhythms.

Friday

Force-feeding at Guantanamo prison must end

In an editorial, we wrote: President Barack Obama should end the painful and degrading practice of force-feeding prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and we’d ask him to consider the wise words on the issue from an international leader: President Barack Obama. “Look at the current situation, where we are force-feeding detainees who are holding a hunger strike,” Obama said in May. “Is that who we are?”